Nick Linkenhoker

Executive Director

Nick Linkenhoker joined the Worthington Resource Pantry as the Volunteer Coordinator in February 2016, and he became the Executive Director in May 2018. Nick's impact at the pantry cannot be overstated: he knows the operations inside and out, he knows every volunteer by name, he knows our partner agencies and organizations, and he knows the neighbors we serve. Besides his all-encompassing knowledge of pantry operations, Nick has experience working for other non-profit organizations, and he is a recognized leader. He is the Immediate Past President of the Volunteer Administrators' Network of Central Ohio, and he serves on the Worthington Community Relations Commission.

According to Nick, "My passion for our mission and my commitment to this community is strong. Our whole team shares the goal of ensuring that every family in our service area has access to fresh, healthy food and that we keep focused on that in our fundraising, our community engagement, and our service to neighbors."

Nick comes from the small town of Bellevue, Ohio in northern Ohio. He and his wife, Jeanine, live in Worthington. Nick says that, “Worthington has all the benefits of living close to a big city, but keeps that small town feel, and part of that is giving a hand when your neighbor needs it. That’s what brought me to the Worthington Resource Pantry.”

Kelly McConaughey

Director of Development

Kelly McConaughey joined the Worthington Resource Pantry in May 2017 as Director of Development. Kelly brings with her more than 15 years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience including, most recently, leading the YWCA Canton as Chief Executive Officer and Sustainable Sandhills (Fayetteville, NC) as Executive Director. She also led key community events in Canton, Ohio as Assistant Director with the Canton Development Partnership. Kelly has worked with a multitude of donors and grantors, securing grant funding for Early Head Start expansion program, Community Development Block Grants, and other projects in coordination with community foundations and corporate partners. Kelly is also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. She earned her BA in Sociology at The Ohio State University.

Kelly works with community partners and supporters of the Worthington Resource Pantry, always looking to strengthen the relationship with the community. She directs development activities and coordinates efforts around the organization's funding.

Kelly and her daughter, Ahmie, love the Worthington community! You can find Kelly and Ahmie exploring Metro Park trails, camping when the weather cooperates (or not!), and enjoying all the local taco spots.

Christa Hester

Volunteer Coordinator

Janet George Blocher joined the Worthington Resource Pantry as the part-time Communications Specialist in late 2016 after spending many rewarding hours volunteering at the pantry. Janet spent the majority of her career as a faculty member at Capital University Law School. Before that, she practiced law in Columbus and in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a life-long volunteer and has committed herself to helping others in her community. She is thrilled to be helping our Worthington neighbors access food as well as information about available resources.Janet and her husband, Roger, have lived in Worthington for nearly their entire married life. Their two grown sons, Craig and Kyle, are products of the Worthington Schools. And Janet has a new addition to her family: baby Andrew arrived in November of 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Janet is happy to show you a picture -or two- of sweet baby Andrew.

Christa Hester is eager to join the Worthington Resource Pantry as the new Volunteer Coordinator. Bringing with her seven years of experience coordinating programs and volunteers, and a deep care for the community, Christa looks forward giving her energy to this organization to support volunteers and neighbors alike. Professionally, Christa previously served as an AmeriCorps Service Member at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio, which led to working on the staff as a Program Coordinator for school & community-based programs. Most recently, Christa has worked as an Administrative Assistant for an HR management firm in Columbus, while outside of work she has been engaged with youth programming in central Ohio, and she occasionally volunteers with Columbus Gives Back.

Christa earned a BA in Communication from the University of Cincinnati and had minors in Organizational Leadership and Spanish. During her 4-year tenure, she prioritized building into the community on campus as a Resident Advisor, a member of the Programs and Activities Council, and a founding member in the university’s chapter of College Mentors For Kids, where she led student volunteers and organized learning activities for 4 years. These experiences have paved the way for Christa’s career pursuits and passions.

Christa finds a lot of joy in her active social life, spending regular time with family and her close group of friends. She enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking at Highbanks Park or playing sports like sand volleyball or tennis. She is always looking for her next chance to travel, or for opportunities spend the night in playing cards or games with friends.